Bus, truck collision kills 31 in Dera Ghazi Khan

• Deadly accident in Dera Ghazi Khan claims 31 lives.
• Bus traveling from Sialkot to Rajanpur collides with a truck on Taunsa Road near Jhok Yaro in Dera Ghazi Khan.
• More than 60 people injured.

Thirty-one people were killed and 74 injured when a passenger bus and truck collided in Punjab province early on Monday morning, rescue and hospital officials said.

Rescue officials said the accident occurred when a bus was in collision with a container truck at about 5.40 am (0040 GMT) in Dera Ghazi Khan district 466 km (289 miles) south east of Lahore.

The injured and dead were taken to a nearby hospital by the rescue service.

"As many as 30 people have died and 74 have been wounded," Dr Najeebur Rehman, Medical Superintended of Dera Ghazi Khan Teaching Hospital, told Reuters, adding the toll might rise as several injured are in serious condition.

Last month, a train crash killed 56 people in Sindh province and left dozens wounded.

Meanwhile, District emergency officer rescue Dr Nayyar Alam had said that 75 passengers were on board the bus. 

Rescue sources said the bus and trailer had been removed from the scene and traffic had been restored.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry had expressed sorrow over the loss of life in Monday's accident. 

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also lamented the loss of lives in the Taunsa traffic accident.

He extended his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families. The Punjab CM has given instructions for the provision of the best medical facilities to the injured.

In a statement, he said he stands with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief.